Visa Application

• Visitors to Thailand must obtain a visa from one of the Thai diplomatic missions unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries, or citizens who may obtain a visa on arrival, or citizens eligible for an e-Visa.
• E-Visa applicants are no longer required to submit passports and supporting documents in person at the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General. It is important to note that you are only able to apply if you currently not in Thailand and in the countries where e-Visa services are available. After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to applicants, which must be printed out for presenting to airlines and Thai Immigration Officials when traveling to Thailand.

For more Vietnam Visa information, it can be found from: https://www.thaievisa.go.th/.

Local Information

Phuket[a] is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. It consists of the island of Phuket, the country's largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. It lies off the west coast of mainland Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket Island is connected by the Sarasin Bridge to Phang Nga province to the north. The next nearest province is Krabi, to the east across Phang Nga Bay.

Transportation

- City transit
In terms of local transportation, songthaews are a prevalent mode in Phuket. These songthaews, reportedly larger than those in other regions of Thailand[citation needed], provide an economical means of transport between towns and various beaches. Phuket also offers conventional bus services and motorbike taxis, the latter being especially numerous in the main town and Patong Beach area. Traditional tuk-tuks have largely been replaced by small vans, predominantly red, with some in yellow or green. Taxi services in Phuket, generally operating with fixed rates, are considered to be on the expensive side. For travel from the airport to Phuket Town and major beaches, privately operated buses are available. Additionally, the ride-share service Grab is frequently recommended by locals as a convenient transportation option.

- Bus
Phuket's primary hub for long-distance bus arrivals, Bus Station 2 BKS Terminal, serves as a critical link for transportation to and from Bangkok, as well as other major cities and provinces in Thailand. Situated approximately four kilometers north of Phuket's town center and port area, this facility is noted for its expansive and modern infrastructure. It offers connections to various local transport options, including tuk-tuks, metered taxis, motorcycle taxis, songthaews, and local buses, facilitating access to the island's numerous beaches and resorts. The station accommodates daily scheduled bus services operated by both private companies and government entities, originating from Bangkok's Mo Chit and Southern Terminal stations.

- Ferry
Additionally, Phuket maintains regular ferry services to neighboring islands, such as Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. These ferries operate daily from Rassada Pier and Tonsai Pier, with the frequency and scope of services expanding annually. Ticket prices for these ferry services vary, with one-way fares typically ranging from 300 THB to 1500 THB.

Attractions

- The Phuket Big Buddha is a prominent statue of Gautama Buddha in the Maravichai posture, situated in Phuket. This statue stands at a height of 45 m (148 ft) and spans 25.45 m (83.5 ft) in width. Constructed primarily from concrete and clad in Burmese white marble, it overlooks Ao Chalong Bay. The statue serves as the principal Buddha image for Wat Kitthi Sankaram (Wat Kata) temple. In 2008, Somdet Phra Yanasangwon, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, designated the Phuket Big Buddha as the "Buddhist Treasure of Phuket".

- The Two Heroines Monument, located in Thalang District, is a memorial dedicated to Thao Thep Kasattri (Kunying Jan) and Thao Sri Sunthon (Mook). These figures are historically significant for their role in mobilizing residents to repel Burmese forces during an invasion in 1785.

- The Thalang National Museum, established in 1985 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Thalang War, is an institution that showcases the cultural and historical heritage of Phuket and its surrounding regions.

- Hat Karon, known as the second largest tourist beach in Phuket, is situated approximately 20 km (12 mi) from the town center.

- On On Hotel, located in downtown Phuket Town, gained international recognition after its appearance in the 2000 film ‘The Beach’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

- Wat Chalong, officially known as Wat Chaiyathararam, is a significant historical temple in Phuket. It features a statue of Luang Pho Cham, a revered figure known for his role in assisting the local populace during the Angyee rebellion in 1876, under the reign of King Rama V.

- Old Phuket Town, encompassing areas around Thalang, Dibuk, Yaowarat, Phang Nga, and Krabi Roads, is distinguished by its Sino-Portuguese architectural style.

- Freedom Beach, characterized by its fine white sand and clear blue waters, is a popular destination near Phuket. Located close to Patong Beach, it is accessible by boat or through a hiking trail, offering a picturesque setting for visitors.

- A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket typically involve a 50-minute journey by speedboat. These islands are renowned for their scenic beauty and are a favored destination for tourists seeking to experience the natural allure of the region.